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Sociological theories of learning disabilities: understanding racial disproportionality in special education
- Author:
- ANYON Yolanda
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(1), January 2009, pp.44-57.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
In 2001 in the United States more than half of students in special education were identified as having specific learning disability more than any other qualifying disability. Although many researchers have applied sociological theory to concepts of physical disability, leading to the social model used by disability advocates and activists, less work has been done to provide a sociological frame for learning disabilities. This paper describes how students with learning disabilities have constituted the fastest-growing special education population in public school districts, particularly students of colour. Though the overrepresentation of students of colour in special education programmes is well documented, few efforts have been made to apply sociological theories to expand our understanding of this phenomenon. The author provides an overview of this application to the study of learning disabilities and special education, with particular attention to the disproportionate involvement of minority youth in educational programs for students with disabilities.